Mississippi jury rules in favor of helmet maker

JACKSON — A Mississippi jury has decided that helmet-manufacturer Riddell is not responsible for the injury of a George County High School football player in 2006.

Court documents say that the plaintiff, who was a minor at the time of the incident, suffered a stroke following a school-sponsored ninth-grade football practice. The lawsuit claimed the helmet pushed on his neck, which damaged an artery and caused the stroke.

The unanimous verdict in the Southern District of Mississippi came last week after a five-day trial.

Attorney Thomas Merrigan, who represents Riddell, said in a statement that “we are pleased that the jury recognized the rigorous approach that Riddell brings to the research, development, testing and certification of our protective sports equipment.”